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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ryan Thom

Ayr Ice Rink pledge as board vow to explore 'all avenues' to prevent closure

The board of Ayr Ice Rink have vowed to explore 'all avenues' to keep the vital centre open.

It comes as council chiefs waded into the campaign to save the facility from closure.

South Ayrshire Council say have offered support which could prevent the venue from shutting forever.

More than 10,000 people have already backed a petition to stop the axe from falling on the beloved rink.

It's a week on since Ayr Curling Club announced they would have to close the ice rink in September this year after blaming an unprecedent hike in energy costs.

Now the local authority has stepped in and has provided support from a specialist team to carry out a full review of the ice rink's business plan, and carry out an energy audit to establish the feasibility of energy savings and new energy sources.

The review would be conducted by the council's economy and regeneration team.

The council say they are keen to ensure the board are able to focus on the "future growth and long-term sustainability for all users of the rink."

It comes as heartbroken figure skaters, hockey players and parents stood in solidarity to get behind the Ayrshire Post campaign to save the ice rink.

Campaigners took to the ice on Saturday as they unfurled a banner calling for support.

A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council said: “In light of Ayr Curling Club’s decision to close Ayr Ice Rink in October, we have written to their board to offer support which could help prevent the closure of the facility.

“We have been in discussions with the club for a number of months in relation to their potential future delivery model. Most recently, we have offered to provide full support through our Economy & Regeneration team which will include a full review of the ice rink’s business plan, and carry out an energy audit to establish feasibility of energy savings and new energy sources.

"We will also work with their Board to consider potential changes to the legal structure of the organisation. The Council are keen to provide assistance to ensure that the Board are able to focus on future growth and long-term sustainability for all users of the ice rink.

“The board have confirmed that they are willing to explore all avenues to help keep the Ice Rink open and we are now progressing at pace with appropriate Council Officers working on this to support the Board going forward.”

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